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The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants the public to contribute ideas that will help establish priorities for recreation on land managed by the agency. Throughout the month of September 2008, the DNR will hold a series of nine workshops across the state to gather input from individuals and user groups to help create a new vision for recreation on DNR-managed forestlands, aquatic lands and natural areas.

They want to hear about where people in the state like to recreate, what kinds of recreation activities they enjoy and how easily they can access recreation on state-managed lands. The information that people provide will help the state improve opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The meetings will include discussion topics that will allow the public to converse with department staff, view maps of DNR-managed lands and offer their visions for recreation in the state.

DNR staff will compile the information gathered at these meetings and present it to the newly formed Sustainable Recreation Work Group. This group was established by the 2008 Legislature to assist the agency in developing a long-term vision that ensures safe, sustainable and enjoyable outdoor recreation on DNR-managed land. During the next 16 months, the work group will work to develop recommendations to present to the Legislature by December 2009.

Public Workshops Schedule (All meetings are from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.):

September 9 - King County Library Service Center, Issaquah (Kick-off meeting)

September 10 - Sun Valley Restaurant, Okanogan (UPDATED)

September 10 - Longhouse Educational and Cultural Center, The Evergreen State College, Olympia